Boebert: Democrats ‘taking out their own and wanting true socialism’
Boebert: Democrats ‘Taking Out Their Own’ in Midterm Push for Socialist Shift
Boebert - As the 2026 midterm elections approach, Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado has intensified her criticism of the Democratic Party’s strategy, accusing it of prioritizing internal divisions over broader political goals. In a recent interview with NewsNation’s Chris Cuomo, Boebert highlighted the growing support for democratic socialist candidates within the party, suggesting that this trend reflects a deeper ideological shift rather than a unified approach to governance.
Primary Wins Signal Ideological Tectonic Shift
Boebert’s remarks came in the wake of several notable primary victories by democratic socialist candidates, which she argues are reshaping the political landscape. One such example is Milat Kiros, a 29-year-old progressive activist who recently unseated long-serving Democratic Rep. Diana DeGette in Colorado’s 1st Congressional District race. DeGette, who has represented the district since 1997, now faces a challenge from a candidate openly advocating for systemic change.
“Milat is not lying. She wants socialism. She wants more of it, a lot of it, and she’s very proud to say it,” Boebert stated during the interview. “And so now the pretend-to-be-normal Democrats that people like myself and Gabe Evans in Colorado are running against, well, this is their party, and this is what we are running against as well.”
Kiros’s victory, along with similar outcomes in New York and Washington, D.C., has drawn attention to the Democratic Party’s internal dynamics. In New York City, democratic socialist mayor Zohran Mamdani backed candidates Claire Valdez and Darializa Avila Chevalier, who won their House primary races last week. These wins, combined with Kiros’s success, indicate a broader movement within the party toward progressive candidates who challenge traditional Democratic policies.
Democrats’ Democratic Socialism vs. Boebert’s Republican Concerns
While Boebert frames the Democratic Party’s support for democratic socialists as a betrayal of its core principles, she acknowledges the party’s efforts to align with more left-leaning ideologies. The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), which defines democratic socialism as a system where ordinary citizens have a real voice in political decisions, has been instrumental in backing these candidates. According to the DSA, the goal is to replace capitalism with a model that prioritizes equity and collective ownership.
Boebert, however, warns that this embrace of democratic socialism could lead to communism, a stance she shares with former President Donald Trump. Both have criticized the term as a harbinger of radical economic restructuring, though their motivations differ. While Trump emphasizes the threat of socialist policies to American freedoms, Boebert focuses on the internal conflict within the Democratic Party, arguing that its members are “taking out their own” to advance a more socialist agenda.
“I promise you, this next Congress, they will push harder than ever for these things,” Boebert added. “They’re not just pushing for change—they’re pushing for a complete overhaul of the existing system.”
The Colorado Republican also pointed to the influence of progressive leaders like Sen. Bernie Sanders, who has been a vocal advocate for democratic socialism. Sanders’s endorsement of Kiros, along with his support for other socialist candidates this cycle, underscores the movement’s growing clout. In a social media post following Kiros’s win, Sanders praised the shift, stating, “The tide is turning. Americans are tired of status quo politics. They want representatives in Congress who will stand up to oligarchy and fight for working families.”
Primary Successes and Political Implications
These primary victories are not isolated incidents. In Los Angeles, DSA member Nithya Raman secured an early spot in the November mayoral race, challenging incumbent Mayor Karen Bass (D). Raman’s campaign, which emphasizes progressive policies and community-driven decision-making, aligns with the DSA’s platform. Similarly, in Washington, D.C., progressive Democrat Janeese Lewis George is set to replace outgoing mayor Muriel Bowser (D), signaling a potential realignment of power in the nation’s capital.
Boebert’s critique highlights the tension between the Democratic Party’s traditional base and its newer, more radical wing. She argues that by backing candidates like Kiros, Democrats are effectively destabilizing their own ranks. “They’re not just running against Republicans—they’re running against their own party members,” she said. “This is a strategy to shift the political spectrum toward the left, even if it means sacrificing moderate voices.”
The impact of these primary results could be significant. With democratic socialist candidates gaining traction in key districts, Boebert warns that the next Congress may see sweeping policy changes, including higher taxes on corporations and increased government intervention in the economy. “This is not just about winning elections—it’s about changing the direction of the entire country,” she emphasized.
Supporter Base and Policy Priorities
Kiros’s campaign, which has drawn criticism for its stance on Israel, has nonetheless resonated with voters in Colorado. The young candidate’s pledge to reject corporate PAC money has solidified her appeal among progressive voters, who view her as a genuine alternative to establishment Democrats. “She’s not afraid to speak her mind, and that’s refreshing,” Boebert noted, framing Kiros as a symbol of the party’s ideological transformation.
The DSA’s influence extends beyond local elections. Its members have organized fundraising efforts and grassroots campaigns to support socialist candidates, leveraging their networks to amplify progressive voices. This strategy has created a ripple effect, with more voters embracing the movement’s message of economic equality and social justice.
While Boebert and Trump share skepticism toward democratic socialism, their perspectives on its consequences differ. Trump’s focus is on the potential for government overreach, whereas Boebert emphasizes the party’s internal fragmentation. “They’re not just fighting for socialism—they’re fighting for their own political survival,” she said, suggesting that the Democratic Party’s support for socialist candidates is a calculated move to consolidate power.
These developments raise questions about the future of the Democratic Party and its ability to maintain a cohesive platform. As more democratic socialist candidates win primaries, the party may face a difficult choice: either embrace the shift and redefine its priorities or risk losing ground to the left. Boebert’s warnings serve as a reminder that the political landscape is constantly evolving, and the upcoming midterms could be a pivotal moment for both parties.
Ultimately, the support for democratic socialists reflects a growing desire among voters for bold, transformative policies. While some see this as a positive step toward addressing income inequality and corporate influence, others view it as a threat to traditional Democratic values. As the 2026 elections draw closer, the debate over socialism’s role in American politics is likely to intensify, with Boebert and her allies watching closely for the next moves in this ideological battle.